PREAMBLE

The Camden County Bar Association has a long and proud history of service to the public, to our system of justice and to its members. The lawyers who have the privilege of being accepted as Association members continue a tradition of treating fellow members and the judiciary before whom they practice in a professional and courteous manner. While this professionalism includes acting with integrity and complying with the ethical standards mandated by the Rules of Professional Conduct, it goes beyond those fundamental obligations and represents the higher standard of conduct that makes the profession of law more than a competitive service industry. As we approach the 21st century, however, the legal profession stands at the crossroads of becoming such a large, impersonal and technologically oriented business that some members lose sight of the traditional values and virtues to which lawyers of the past had always subscribed.

At a time when the complexities of the law and the fast-paced society which it mirrors make practicing our learned art increasingly difficult, the members of the Camden County Bar Association wish to restate their commitment to the standards of professional courtesy, which have guided us and our conduct towards each other for more than a century.

In furtherance of this goal, the members of the Camden County Bar Association do hereby adopt the following Code of Professionalism.

1. I will provide my client with objective advice and will endeavor to represent my client=s lawful interests as expeditiously and economically as possible.

2. I will advise my client against pursuing a course of action that is without merit and against tactics which are intended to delay resolution of the matter, or to harass or drain the financial resources of the opposing party.

3. I will counsel my client that a willingness to initiate or engage in settlement discussions is consistent with zealous and effective representation, and the civility and courtesy to others during the course of representing the client are not to be equated with weakness, but rather are virtues upon which our system of justice is founded.

4. I will treat with civility and courtesy opposing counsel and other lawyers and their staffs, parties, witnesses and the courts and members of the court staff. Professional courtesy is a professional necessity and is entirely compatible with vigorous advocacy and zealous representation.

5. I will never knowingly misstate facts or law, and I shall always act so that other lawyers and judges can trust in and rely upon my oral or written word.

6. I will agree to reasonable extensions of time or for waiver of procedural formalities when the legitimate interest of my client will not be adversely affected.

7. I will endeavor to consult with opposing counsel before scheduling depositions or meetings and before rescheduling hearings, and I will cooperate with opposing counsel when scheduling changes are requested. I will be punctual in honoring scheduled appearances and in providing notice of cancellation of appointments, depositions or hearings to all concerned parties at the earliest possible time.

8. In the conduct of litigation or negotiation, I will conduct myself with fairness and dignity, refraining from any course of conduct meant to harass the opposing party; from engaging in excessive or abusive discovery, and from advancing groundless objections or committing other acts of rudeness or disrespect.

9. I will be considerate in my communications with others, promptly returning telephone calls and responding to correspondence from clients and other lawyers.

10. While I will be a vigorous advocate on my client=s behalf, I always will be mindful that I am an officer of the court, and that I have an obligation to conduct myself with respect for the court and for my adversaries.

11. In civil proceedings, I will voluntarily withdraw claims or defenses if it becomes apparent that they lack merit, and I will stipulate to non-essential facts as to which there is not genuine dispute. I will cooperate with other lawyers towards the goal of having matters resolved in a prompt and fair fashion.

12. I will not quarrel needlessly over matters of form or style, but will concentrate on matters of substance and content.

13. I will strive to keep current in the areas in which I practice. I will familiarize myself with the Rules of Professional Conduct and adhere to these rules in the everyday practice of my profession.

14. I will be mindful of my obligation to enhance the image of the legal profession in all of my professional actions. I will be so guided in my comments about the judiciary, opposing counsel or the members of any other profession, and in the methods and contents of any advertising which I may pursue.

15. I recognize that the law is a learned profession and that among its desirable goals and devotion to public service, improvement of the administration of justice and the contribution of uncompensated time towards the administration of justice and on behalf of those persons who cannot afford legal assistance.

As a condition of membership in the Camden County Bar Association, I agree to abide by and conduct the practice of law in a manner consistent with this Code.

Adopted November, 1993

CAMDEN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1027
Camden, NJ 08101
(609) 964-3420
(609) 964-9016 Fax

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